September is National Preparedness Month, and here in Arizona, we know emergencies can happen quickly. Wildfires, extreme heat, power outages, monsoon storms and other unexpected events can all create situations where you and your pets may need to leave home with little notice.
Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference when every minute counts.
Build a pet emergency kit
Keep essential supplies together and easy to grab, including food, water, medications, bowls, a leash or harness, waste supplies, basic first-aid items and copies of important veterinary records. Don’t forget a familiar blanket or toy that may help provide comfort during a stressful situation.
Make sure identification is current
Check that your pet’s ID tag has your current phone number and that their microchip registration is up to date. Consider keeping a recent photo of your pet on your phone as well.
Have a safe way to transport your pet
Keep carriers, leashes and harnesses somewhere easily accessible—not buried in the back of a closet or garage. If your pet isn’t comfortable in a carrier or vehicle, practicing before an emergency can make evacuation much easier.
Plan where you’ll go
Identify pet-friendly hotels, family members or friends who could accommodate you and your pets if you need to evacuate. It’s a good idea to have more than one option in case your first choice is unavailable.
Create a backup care plan
Choose someone you trust who could safely access and care for your pets if you are away from home, hospitalized or otherwise unable to reach them. Make sure they know your pets, where supplies are kept and how to contact your veterinarian.
Don’t forget the details
If you have multiple pets, senior animals, pets with medical needs or animals who are particularly fearful, think through what they would need during an evacuation. A little extra planning now can prevent a lot of stress later.
Emergencies are unpredictable. Your plan doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to exist.
This National Preparedness Month, take a few minutes to make sure everyone in your household, including your pets, is part of the plan.
